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We Have History.
In 1926, was known as the Milan Business Association, voted to Change the name to the Milan Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has been a cornerstone of the town’s economic development. After the name change, it expanded its mission to support not just local businesses, but the overall growth and well-being of the community.
Over the decades, the Chamber has played an essential role in shaping Milan’s business landscape, fostering collaboration, and organizing key events that bring businesses and residents together.
Its history is filled with milestones that reflect its commitment to both economic progress and maintaining Milan's close-knit community spirit.
Historical Milestones.
1926
Milan Business Association formed under the leadership of the first President, R.P. Galbraith, head of the Galbraith Motor Company Rock Island.
*1926-First order of business was adding a fountain and water hydrant to the Milan Tourist Camp
1955
Milan Chamber volunteered leadership to the annual Milan Santa Fund which was originated in 1939 by the Kings Daughters.
1956
Four grade school districts- Milan, Doxee, Ginger Hill and Ridgewood were nominated to have the Rock Island Board annex them into their system.
1960
Milan Women's Club assumed leadership of the Milan Santa Fund, with the goal of a united community effort.
*An open meeting was held at the American Legion building to consider the question of the one-way traffic on West 3rd and West 4th streets.
*Dinner meeting concept initiated (Chamber was men only). Meetings rotated between Bringer' Inn and Marandos.
1962
Illinois State Governor Otto Kerner was in Milan for dedication of I-280 segment opened from Moline to Milan.
*The Chamber opposed the one-way street program in Milan on West 3rd and West 4th Street.
*Jefferson School in Milan opened at a cost of $666,000
1964
Spouses started attending Chamber dinner meetings.
1965
Committee appointed by Chamber to work with the Village of Milan on erecting a permanent dike for flood control.
1966
The Chamber commissioned a Moline architect to study and prepare a drawing of "Refinishing Main Street Buildings."
1967
The Chamber endorsed a trial period of converting West 3rd and West 4th Street into one-way streets.
1975
The Chamber became active with the Bicentennial Commission where the main activity was raising funds for a community swimming pool. The money raised was later utilized as seed money for the Milan Community Center.
*The Chamber paid for a new flag pole and lights to be put in the triangle at the entrance to Milan on Hwy 67.
1981
Miriam Ralston elected as the first woman President of the Chamber.
*The flood project was endorsed by the Chamber at a public hearing hosted at W.L. Eddy School.
1983
A gift of $5000 was given to the Milan Community Center for the brick planter and bench at the entrance.
*The Economic Development Committee was formed.
1984
The Economic Development Committee received a grant of $13,200 to do market research and develop & print business packets on Milan.
*The Chamber voted against joining Illinois Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce.
1985
The Chamber donated $1000 to RKO Theater Renovation Fund.
*The Chamber donated $1000 to help keep the Quad Cities Open Golf Tournament in existence.
*The Chamber joined the Milan Indian Summer Festival as one of six sponsoring organizations.
1986
The Chamber donated $1000 to the Rock Island Conservatory.
1986
The Chamber was instrumental in the organization of the Tax Incremental Funding (TIF) District in the Village of Milan.
The Chamber assisted with the development of a recreation path on top of the levee.
1986
The Chamber donated $1000 to the Rock Island Conservatory.
Members of Notability.
1926-Robert P. Galbraith - Galbraith Motor Company
1926-Dr.W.L. Eddy - General Dr.
1927-R.W. Palmer - Palmer Motors
Grant Brissman - Brissman's Auto Supply
Harold Brown - B&B Hardware
Ralston Crouch - Milan Variety
Paul Dugan - Dugan's Market
James Hughes - Hughes Sinclair
William Johnson - Milan Drug
Max Larson - O.T. Larson Insurance
Orville McCullough - McCullough's Department Store
Roy McGovern - McGovern Insurance
Leo Mohr - Bringer's Inn
Sylvester Stacey - Stacey's Cleaners
"Pop" Stone - "Pop's" Restaurant
Stan Stone - Milan Motel
Honoring Our
Past Chamber Presidents.
R.P. Galbraith 1926
R.W. Palmer 1927
Dr. W.L. Eddy 1929
C.O. Swanson 1930
The Milan Chamber dissolved in 1931 and
a new "Milan Business Men
Association" formed and functioned until 1952
Harold Brown 1952
R.O. (Pop) Stone 1953
Roy McGovern 1954
Ralston Crouch 1955
Arthur Robison 1956
Paul Dugan 1957
S.C. Stacey 1958
Orville McCollough 1959
Leo Mohr 1960
Grant Brissman 1961
Dan Thomas 1962
Frank Palicki 1963
Bob Eriksen 1964
Lyman H. Johnson 1965
Dwain Wyant 1966
Bill Baugher 1967
Ed Jacques 1968
Maurice Arnold 1969
J.E. (Bud) Rettke 1970
Chuck Thompson 1971
Wayne Godfrey 1972
Bob Brown 1973
Harold Peterson/
Larry Epperly 1974
Dick Lincoln 1975
Gerry Huiskamp 1976
Rene Ericksen 1977
Cliff Reckhemmer 1978
Dick Quigg 1979
Ray Coyle, Jr. 1980
Miriam Ralston 1981
Jack Knepp 1982
John L. Hoffman 1983
Bob Brown 1984
Gene McGonigle 1985
William Epperly 1986
William Everingham 1987
Terry Brandt 1988
Dale Muller 1989
Judy Kale 1990
Doug Boemecke 1991
Merlyn Raber 1992
Karla Buckrop- Lester 1993
James Hughes 1994
Charles Johnson 1995
Cindy Hoffman 1996
Jim Epperly 1997
Donna Hall 1998
Chuck Hughes 1999-2000
Brent Ovens 2001-2002
Jack Knepp 2003-2004
Jim Hudson 2005
Kathie Seabert Beck 2006
John Ryan 2007-2008
Cathy Edwards 2009
Lory VanBlair 2010
Jim Huiskamp 2011-2012
Steve Wilson 2013-2014
Caron Nugent 2015-2016
John Peters 2017-2019
Beau Brandt 2020-2023
John R. Hoffman 2024-2026